Underline Monitoring Project Field Assistant

START DATE: 05/01/2016

MONTHLY SALARY: $2,340

PCSU UNDERLINE MONITORING FIELD ASSISTANT – ID# 16037. Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit. (3) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, located on Kauai. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

DUTIES: Monitors wildlife impacts as a result of human activities associated with electrical transmission, distribution infrastructure, and outdoor lighting. Works under the direction of the Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP) Avian Conservation Biologist and the Endangered Avian Research Project Coordinator. 

Duties include incidental take monitoring, biological monitoring, seabird population survey and monitoring, mapping species locations, data entry, and preliminary analyses of field data. Performs effective public outreach. Operates a motor vehicle, radar unit, and a variety of equipment for field studies. Must adhere to equipment use, pesticide use, and invasive species prevention protocols. 

Some fieldwork will be required in densely vegetated, wet forest areas, sometimes with extremely wet and cool conditions. Will require strenuous physical exertion and heavy lifting. Requires a high degree of attention to detail for equipment management and data collection, often under difficult field conditions including repetitive tasks. Requires irregular working hours and work schedules, with many duties occurring at night or pre-dawn. Participates in conscientious adherence to protocol for preventing the spread of weeds, and reducing all negative impacts to native species habitat. Follows and adheres to all safety and operational guidelines. Participates in assuring maintenance of project vehicles and care of project equipment. All work must be in accordance with Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH), Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), and KESRP policies and guidelines. 

Please go to www.rcuh.com "Employment" section for detailed job description and to apply.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING: One to three (1-3) years of college level biological sciences coursework from an accredited college or university. 

EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of (paid or volunteer) experience in biological fieldwork (Volunteer experience must be documented and verifiable). Demonstrated experience with one (1) or more of the following: searching for difficult to detect targets (i.e.: bird watching, hunting, tracking), seabird monitoring methods, auditory point counts, and/or operating ornithological radar. Demonstrated remote area experience. 

ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: Working knowledge of the principles of avian population ecology and conservation. Competent in techniques of avian population ecology and conservation, particularly colonial nesting seabirds. Hiking ability, including off-trail navigation. Ability to use Microsoft Office (Excel) and other software programs to undertake field reporting. Ability to read maps and aerial photographs and document work. Proficient in word processing and spreadsheet computer applications. Ability to use GPS equipment. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be able to locate birds by their calls and identify species both visually and aurally. Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months of hire). Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course within six (6) months from date of hire. 

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to hike at least four (4) miles on obscure trails with a thirty to forty (30-40) pound backpack unassisted, and live and work in isolated field camps under primitive conditions for extended periods of time. Must be able to concentrate for extended periods (e.g., four (4) hours) using ornithological radar, night-vision, binoculars, or scope under low-light conditions. 

POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawaii's and/or business entity's policies and procedures. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.). 

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biological Sciences. Strong interest and background training in seabird ecology, particularly forest-nesting petrels. Strong interest and background in incidental take projects (i.e. power line strikes, wind farm monitoring, etc.). Experience working with Hawaiian birds. Experience with marine radar. Experience with use of Geographic Information System (GIS) software (ArcView) and databases (Access). Familiarity with computers and data entry. Familiarity with native Hawaiian flora and fauna, local conservation issues, and Kauai. 

INQUIRIES: Marc Travers, marc.s.travers@gmail.com 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on “Employment”; select “Apply” and navigate to “See Job Announcements and/or Apply for a Job.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Salary History, 4) Supervisory References, 5) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawaii Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuhhr@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344.